Alonso: Dropping Enzo unrelated to Man City links

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso stated that his decision to drop Enzo Fernández from the squad for their 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Luton Town at Stamford Bridge was purely tactical, aimed at giving other players opportunities, and was unrelated to reports linking the 25-year-old with a move to Manchester City. Fernández, valued at £120 million by Chelsea, had first requested a transfer in May, but no written bids were received by the club's August 13 deadline, which Chelsea considered to have closed the matter. Despite that deadline passing, Manchester City are reportedly still preparing a bid to sign the Argentine World Cup winner.